A small clay lamp can tell two stories of homecoming. For many Hindu families, its flame recalls the people of Ayodhya welcoming Shri Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman home after years of exile. For Sikh families, it recalls the lamps of Amritsar welcoming Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji after he secured freedom for 52 imprisoned princes. Understanding what each community remembers gives deeper meaning to the greetings we exchange.
What Diwali Means
The name Deepavali, from which Diwali comes, means “a row of lights.” It is one of the most widely observed festivals in Hindu tradition, although its stories and customs differ by region, family, and community.
Across these traditions, light often represents hope, knowledge, moral courage, and the victory of good over evil. Homes and places of worship are decorated with diyas, families gather, prayers are offered, sweets are shared, and people renew bonds with relatives, friends, and neighbors.
Shri Ram’s Return to Ayodhya
In a tradition especially cherished in northern India, Diwali remembers the return of Shri Ram to Ayodhya with Mata Sita and Lakshman after fourteen years in exile.
The Ramayana tells of Shri Ram’s exile, Mata Sita’s abduction by Ravana, and the struggle that followed. After Ravana’s defeat and the completion of the exile, Shri Ram returned home. The people of Ayodhya are remembered as lighting oil lamps to welcome them.
For devotees, lighting a diya recalls the joy of that reunion and Shri Ram’s devotion to dharma—the responsibility to act with righteousness, duty, and integrity even in difficult circumstances. The homecoming therefore represents more than a royal return. It speaks of endurance, faithfulness, and the restoration of justice.
Other Hindu Diwali Traditions
Hindu families inherit many Diwali traditions, and no single explanation represents every community.
In parts of southern India, Deepavali recalls Shri Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, a story associated with freedom from oppression and the triumph of good. In many homes, families offer puja to Goddess Lakshmi and seek blessings for prosperity, well-being, and a fortunate new beginning. Some Bengali communities honor Goddess Kali. Other observances during the festival period may include Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.
A rangoli made with colored powder, rice, or flower petals may welcome visitors at the doorway. Homes are cleaned and illuminated. Sweets and gifts pass from one household to another, carrying the celebration beyond the family’s own walls.
The Meaning Behind Diwali Customs
Each familiar custom can carry a deeper lesson. A lamp pushes back darkness. Cleaning a home can symbolize preparation and renewal. Sharing food turns private happiness into community celebration. Visiting relatives and neighbors strengthens relationships.
Diwali can therefore invite reflection as well as festivity: What darkness can we help remove? Whom can we welcome home? Which relationship can we repair? How can prosperity become generosity?
Bandi Chhor Divas in the Sikh Tradition
Bandi Chhor Divas means the Day of Liberation. It honors Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, and remembers his release from Gwalior Fort together with 52 imprisoned Hindu princes during the early seventeenth century.
Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji is remembered for teaching that spiritual life and responsibility in the world belong together. His leadership emphasized devotion to the Divine while also standing against injustice and protecting human dignity.
The Liberation of 52 Princes
When the Guru was offered freedom, he did not think only of himself. He insisted that the 52 princes held at the fort should also be released.
One cherished Sikh account tells how the princes gained their freedom. The emperor agreed that those who could hold on to the Guru’s robe could leave with him. The Guru had a special robe made with 52 tassels or panels. Each prince took hold of one, and all walked free.
The power of this story is easy to picture. At the moment the Guru could have walked through the gate alone, he was thinking of the people who would still be behind it. His liberation became inseparable from theirs.
That is why Bandi Chhor Divas is not only a story about release from imprisonment. It is a lesson in principled leadership: true freedom includes concern for the freedom and dignity of others.
The Guru’s Return to Amritsar
Sikh tradition remembers Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji arriving in Amritsar around the time of Diwali, where the community welcomed him with joy and illuminated the city with earthen lamps.
Today, Sri Harmandir Sahib—the Golden Temple—is beautifully illuminated, and Sikh communities around the world gather in remembrance. Gurdwaras may hold kirtan, the singing of sacred hymns; katha, reflection on Sikh history and teachings; ardas, communal prayer; and langar, the free community meal open to all.
Service, Equality, and Freedom
Bandi Chhor Divas asks a demanding question: What does freedom mean if others remain forgotten?
The Guru’s example points toward courage joined with compassion. It encourages people to oppose injustice without losing humility, to use influence for the benefit of others, and to remember those whose voices are not heard.
Langar gives this teaching a practical form. People sit together without distinction of caste, wealth, social position, or background. Everyone is welcomed and served. Liberation is remembered not only in words, but through equality and service.
Two Distinct Histories, Shared Respect
Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas often occur at the same time and both are marked with light, but they should not be treated as the same observance.
For Hindus, Diwali may remember Shri Ram’s return, Shri Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, devotion to Goddess Lakshmi, or other regional traditions. For Sikhs, Bandi Chhor Divas specifically remembers Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and the liberation of the 52 princes.
Respect grows when we recognize both the shared beauty of light and the distinct history each community carries. We do not have to erase differences in order to celebrate together. Understanding those differences allows our greetings to become more thoughtful and sincere.
A Light Beyond Our Own Doorstep
As we light our diyas, there is room to honor both memories. We can welcome someone who is far from home, set another place at the table, share food with a neighbor, support a family in need, or stand beside a person who feels forgotten.
A lamp is small, but it changes the space around it. In the same way, one act of welcome, courage, generosity, or service can bring warmth to someone beyond our own doorstep.
ਦੀਵਾਲ਼ੀ ਅਤੇ ਬੰਦੀ ਛੋੜ ਦਿਹਾੜੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਬਹੁਤ-ਬਹੁਤ ਮੁਬਾਰਕਾਂ
Warm wishes to you and your family on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. 🪔